Time fuse



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EXPLOSIYE DEVICES Dec. 31, 1935. N. E. METHLlN TIME FUSE Filed March 30, 1934 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 CZNZ 87.0.

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UNITED STATES TIME FUSE Nicolas Emilien Methlin, Paris, France, assignor to Schneider & Cie, Paris, France, a company of France Application March 30,

1934, Serial No. 718,291

In France May 2,2, 1933 31 Claims.

The present invention relates to a time fuse utilizing the fgrcepfasrcing for bringing about, at the end of a predetermined time, the liberation of a member retaining the front element of the firing mechanism.

It has previously been proposed to utilize in similar fuses a member which is movable under the action of the expansion of a spring, and the 4movement of which is connected to that of a piston, movable with a fluid-tight joint in a cylinder from which the air can flow through an orifice of adjustable cross-section. In these known fuses, the adjustment oi the time at the end of which the firing mechanism is to operate, is determined exclusively by the adjustment of the cross-section of the oriiice through which the air or other fluid flows as the piston advances. In this Way, there is only available a means of regulation which is entirely lacking in precision, particularly if it is desired to provide a fuse which shall be perfectly balanced with respect to its longitudinal axis.

According to the present invention, the liberation of the member for retaining the axial striker in non-operative position is eiected by the movement from the rear forwardly of a likewise axial percussion cap carrier on which acts a spring compressed on the departure of the shot or projectile from the gun by the inertia of a member associated with the said percussion cap carrier. The duration of the movement of the latter towards the striker is regulated by the spacing given to the two elements of the mechanism in the rest position, the cross-section of the orifice or passageway for the escape of air or other uid being adjusted once and for all during assembly.

In the practical constructional forms of the invention shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings, the percussion cap carrier, the movement of which towards the striker under the action of the expansion of a spring armed on the departure of the shot brings about the disengagement of the striker retaining member, is constructed in the form of a plunger which forms a piston in the fuse body and which can only be moved forwardly after a member for locking it in the rest position has been disengaged by the action of the centrifugal force, the piston-plunger being suitably fitted in the fuse body so as to check the W of air or any other fluid from the front towards the rear of the fuse, the rapidity oi ow of the said air being moreover adjusted during assembly by the variable engagement of a needle or other appropriate valve in an orice provided in the body of the piston.

Referring to the accompanying drawings,

Figure 1 is a complete sectional elevation along the axis of the fuse, the members being shown in the position which they occupy when at rest.

Figure 2 is a similar longitudinal sectional elevation, showing the members in the position which they occupy immediately after the departure of the shot.

Figure 3 is a similar longitudinal section showing the members in the position which they occupy at the moment of operation of the firing mechanism.

Figures 4 and 5 are transverse sections taken respectively along the lines IV-IV and V-V 1n Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a longitudinal part sectional ele- Vation of a fuse like that shown in Figures 1 to 5, provided with improved means for controlling the movement of the percussion cap carrier relative to the fuse body. Figure 6 shows only those elements of the fuse which are necessary for an understanding of the improvement in question.

Figure 7 is a part section along the line VII- VII of Figure 6.

Figure 8 shows in part sectional elevation another modified form of fuse embodying the invention.

Figure 9 is a detail elevation showing the portion of the fuse body of Figure 8 in which is pro- 25 other duid from front to rear of the carrier 35 piston during its forward movement.

Figures 13 and 14 show separately in sectional elevation the two principal elements of the regulating device of Figure 12.

In these various figures (see in particular Figures 1 to 5), a denotes a fuse body, on the front portion oi which is mounted one of the elements of the iiring mechanism, in this particular example, the striker b.

With a view to the possible adjustment, at rest, of the spacing or distance between the point of the striker and the percussion cap c, the actual striker is arranged in an element la1 of the fuse body, the said element being movable, for example by screwing, in the rear element of the same fuse body. The striker b is under the action of a spring b1 which tends to urge it to meet the percussion cap c but which, until the moment of operation, is held compressed by retaining members d (Figures 1 and 5) engaging the support a1 and having lugs d1 remaining in the path of the striker as long as the escape of the said members cZ-dl under the action of the centrifugal force is prevented by a surrounding ring e. In the rest position, the ring e is held against the shoulder a2 of the adjustable element a1 of the fuse body by segments e1 interposed between the outer end of ring e and a shoulder formed on element a1, which segments can onlyvbe retracted radially outwardly out of engagement with ring e under the action of the centrifugal force after a check ring f has moved inwardly by inertia on the departure of the shot. Check ring f is normally urged for- -wardly to a position blocking radial movement of segments e1 by a spring f1 seated against 'ring e, but when the projectile is fired from the gun, by its inertia, compresses a spring f1, the check ring being internally recessed at f2 for receiving a springe2 which locks the check ring to ring e in the inwardly-moved position of the former.

According to the invention, the disengagement of the retaining members d-dl for the striker b is brought about by the raising or forward movement of the ring e by engagement therewith of a portion of the percussion cap carrier c1 which is upon expansion in a recess c2 of the percussion cap carrier c1. The percussion cap carrier is so constructed as to comprise in front of the percussion cap c a projection, for example tubular as shown in the drawings, which by its front edge c3 is intended to act on the rear or inner edge of ring e and to move said ring forwardly so as to liberate the striker retaining members (1f-d1.

In the constructional fo-rm shown in the drawings (Figures 1 to 5), the percussion cap carrier cl-c is secured to a plunger c4, the latter forming a piston sliding within the rear element a of the fuse body. Air or other suitable fluid is confined between the said piston and the front end al of the fuse body, in the cavity of the unit a-a1, gradual flow of which air or iiuid from the front towards the rear is substantially checked since the air is only able to escape between the inner wall of fuse body a and the outer wall of the piston c4. In practice, the resistance to flow in this 'manner would be so great and its adjustment would be so impossible that no accurate control over operation of the fuse mechanism could be obtained unless, as according to the invention, there were provided an adjustable device for the escape of air to the rear of the piston by means of a valve such as for example that shown on the drawings. Consequently, in the present invention there is disposed in the head of the piston c4 an orice c5 connected to a conical passage c6 in which a needle i can be engaged, by screwing for example. The desired position of the needle i having been determined, it is possible to interpose between lthe support of the said needle and the V I base of the recess of the said support in the piston c4, a washer i1 of a suitable thickness, whereupon the size of the orilce through which the air o1 gas must pass from front to rear of said piston is permanently fixed. The percussion cap carrier can then be locked in its normal at rest position within the fuse body. As shown, the locking means comprises a spring-pressed bolt :--y'l housedwithin the fuse body, as in element a3, which bolt, in the rest position, engages a recess c7 formed in the periphery of the inner end of the piston c4, and prevents any forward movement of the said piston until said bolt is withdrawn radially under the action of centrifugal force after the projectile has left the gun.

The transmission of flame to the detonator in the case of premature operation of the firing mechanism is rendered impossible by means of an obturator 1c housed within a recess in the portion a3 of the fuse body, and pierced by an axial duct k1, the said obturator being intended to be retracted radially outwardly after the departure of the shot, under the effect of the centrifugal force, as soon as the said retraction is rendered possible by a suitable forward progression of the percussion cap carrier plunger c4--c1.

The fuse thus described operates as follows:

The position of the needle i having been adjusted on assembly, the distance between the point of the striker b and the front face c3 of the percussion cap carrying plunger c4-c1 is adjusted at the moment of employing the projectile. justment may be obtained by moving the front movable element al of the fuse body inwardly with respect to fixed portion a to a suitable position. For this purpose, the said. element a may be provided with an external guide constituted by a screw-thread a4 engaging a corresponding screw-thread a5 of the xed element a of the fuse body. The striker carrier a1 may be arrested or locked in the desired position by driving in a screw or a pin or by any other appropriate means, and the position to which it has been moved may be indicated on a graduated scale carried by the member by means of which the screwing of a1 in a5 is ensured. It is also possible to provide the external surface of the element al with graduations which are movable relatively to a reference' mark a6 carried by the fixed element a) Located between the element a1 of the fusev body and a guide a." projecting towards the interior of the fuse body from the bottom of the said element a, may be a lead ring m of trapezoidal section presenting its greater base towards the front of the fuse and tending by inertia to remain behind on the departure of the shot, thus being crushed or wedged tightly at the same time between the internal cylindrical wall of a7 and the outer conical wall of the rear end of element a1. This crushing or wedging of the lead ring m ensures the formation of a fluidtight joint between the two elements a and a1.

On the departure of the shot or projectile from the gun, the check ring f, lagging behind, compresses the spring f1 and the recess f2 is brought opposite the spring e2 which engages the said recess. The segments e1 are then liberated and may be retracted radially outwardly under the action of the centrifugal force so as to clear the forward edge of ring e, leaving the latter free to move forward when engaged at its rear edge by the percussion cap carrier.

At the same time, the arming ring h-h1, lagging behind through inertia, compresses Ithe spring g and is engaged by the spring h1 as soon as the latter is situated opposite the recess c2 (Figure 2). The spring gis then armed or compressed and can act upon the percussion cap carrying plunger c4-c1 as soon as the spring bolt :-il has been retracted radially outwardly under the action of the centrifugal force. As soon as the plunger c4 has moved the necessary distance for liberating the obturator 7c, the latter will also be retracted and will open the duct for transmission of flame to the detonator.

The unit cl--cl---hf--hl is progressively carried towards the striker b under the action of' the expansion of the spring y, the lessening of This ada LlululU n I. I. 1V ANU the distance between the forward face c3 of the movable element c1 and the rear edge of ring e being completed at the end of a time suitably regulated by the slow ow of air through the passage e5 more or less oonstricted by the needle i and, to a slight extent only, by leakage between the outer wall of the piston c4 and the inner wall of the fixed element a of the fuse body. Whenl the face c3 of the movable element has encountered the ring e, continued movement of the piston-plunger will raise this ring which, after having travelled over a distance corresponding to the amount by which it covers the retaining members d-dl, liberates the latter. Members cL--dl may then be retracted radially outwardly under the action of the centrifugal force, permitting the expansion of the spring b1 and ensuring the projection of the striker against the percussion cap c.'

As shown in the drawings, the fuse described may be provided with a cap n to give it the desired form for facilitating the penetration of the projectile through the air.

The method of mounting the movable element a1 of the fuse body on the fixed element a may vary at will. The engagement between these two elements which permits relative movement therebetween for setting the fuse may be obtained, for example, by simple sliding instead of by screwing. Likewise, the form and disposition ofA the members cL--cll for retaining the -striker and the means by which these members are prevented from being retracted as long as the percussion cap carrier piston has not travelled the desired distance may also vary. The same applies to the arrangements relating to the thrust spring g and the ring h for ensuring the vcompression thereof, and to the engagement between this ring and the piston, although the constructional form shown appears to be particularly advantageous for the reason that in it the piston serves as a housing both for the arming ring and for the spring.

Figures 6 to 14 show various modifications of the invention. 'I'he said forms of construction comprise improvements which consist iirst of all of means for preventing or reducing the adhesion between the percussion cap carrier piston and the wall of the fuse body. The means according to the improvements consists of a device for producing a definite or augmenting the natural relative angular displacement between the percussion cap carrier piston and the fuse body during the flight of the projectile.

In the constructional example shown in Figures 6 and 7, the device providing a definite re1- ative angular movement between the percussion cap carrier piston c1-c4 and the fuse body a during the flight of the projectile is constituted by a, helical slot and stud guide.

In this construction, one of the two elements of the guide, namely the stud o, is carried by the piston c4c1, while the other, namely the helical slot P, is provided in the tubular projection a'I of the fuse body a.

Under the action of the driving spring y (the said action being operative after the withdrawal of the bolt i which locked the piston before the departure of the shot), the piston c4--c1 is driven forwardly while being obliged to screw itself on the tubular projection al of the fuse body. In other words, the piston, while advancing towards the striker, has also a denite relative angular displacement with respect to the fuse body, thereby combating any tendency to jam which might appear for any reason whatsoever.

In the constructional example shown in Figures 8 to 10, the device which determines or controls the relative angular movement between 5 the percussion cap carrier piston (r1-c4 and the fuse body a comprises (as in the example shown in Figures 6 and 7), a helical slot guide, the helical guide or slot p in this construction being formed on a tubular projection q provided on 10 the base a3 of the fuse body which serves as support for the spring g actuating' the percussion cap carrier. The stud o, engaging the said slot p is formed on the ring h which, as in the 'previous embodiments, serves for arming the spring g on the departure of the shot.

In this construction, the spring g is secured by its lower end to the base a3, and by its upper end to the upper end of the ring h.

On the departure of the shot, the spring g is compressed by the inertia of the ring h, just as in the examples of Figures 1 to 5, but at the same time the spring g is subjected to torsion, due to the helical displacement of the ring 1L on the tubular projection q. When, during operation, the spring g is relaxed for the displacement of the piston cl--c4 towards the striker, the said` displacement comprises a helical movement of iai-Tf the piston relatively to the fuse body, preventing, as in the example of Figures 6 and 7, any jam- 30 ming which might tend to be produced between the piston and fuse body.

As in the fuse according to Figures 1 to 5, the percussion cap carrier piston c1-c4, rotated with the fuse body and the projectile during flight, is not subjected to the effects of counter-acceleration which are due to the progress of the projectile through the atmospheric air, and the said piston therefore retains a speed of rotation greater than that of the projectile and of the fuse body, such that a relative angular displacement is produced or tends to be produced naturally between the piston and the fuse body. This natural relative angular displacement would sufiice, in certain cases, for preventing jamming if the piston driving spring did not tend to oppose the said angular displacement by reason of its bearing on the iixed base of the fuse body.

In the example shown in part sectional elevation in Figure 11, the antagonistic action offered by the spring g to the natural relative :angular displacement between the piston and the fuse body is reduced by the fact that the said spring is supported on a disc r, which in its turn is rotatably supported on bearing members or balls s 5J lodged in a race formed in the base of the fuse body.

It is evident, particularly in this lastconstructional form, that the movable support of the spring may be constructed in a different manner, G3 the interposition of balls between the movable support and the iixed support not being indispensable. Likewise, in the constructional examples of Figures 6 to 10, the guide by stud and v helical slot may be constructed in various ways. G0 It is also quite certain that it is not absolutely indispensable for the guide p to be constituted by a regular helix, butin all cases the said guide should be such as to ensure a relative angular displacement between the percussion cap carrier F piston and the fuse body in the forward movement of the piston.

The regulating device provided in the end of the percussion cap carrier piston cl--c4 for the gradual escape of the air (which device, in the constructional example shown in Figures 1 to 5, was described and illustrated as being constituted by 'a simple orifice c5 connected to a conical tube c in which a needle i can be engaged by screwing), may be given the form of construction shown in Figures 12 to 14 which considerably facilitates the mounting thereof on the body of the percussion cap carrier piston. Figure 12 shows this device in a complete sectional elevation placed in position on the piston body c4. This figure also shows the lower part of the piston in part sectional elevation, the regulating device being shown on the left-hand portion while a weight for balancing the said device is shown on the right-hand portion. The two principal elements of the regulating device are shown separately in sectional elevation in Figures 13 and 14. As shown by the Figures 12 to 14, the said device comprises a tubular conduit t soldered in a sleeve u, which is provided with two external screw-threads u1 and u2, the first for screwing it into the end c4 of the percussion cap carrier piston, and the second for receiving the complementary element of the regulating device. A collar .n3 enables the unit t-u to bear against the end of the piston body, and the said unit, when it has clinching the upper edge of the sleeve on the end of the piston, as shown clearly in Figure 12. This first element, which is of simple construction and which is likewise very simple to place in position, having been fitted on the percussion cap carrier piston, it is possible to mount thereon a needle holder, such as that shown separately in Figure 14, and to vary or regulate the size of the orice left for escape of the air or gas simply by the diameter of the actual needle i which the needle holder comprises. In most cases, a set of three or four needles of different diameters should be available for each fuse. As shown in Figure 14, the needle holder is constituted by a socket o, internally screw-threaded in its upper part, the screw-thread o1 corresponding to the thread u* of the sleeve u. The upper part of the socket v, when the latter is placed in position on the sleeve u abuts by a shoulder v2 against the rear edge of the said sleeve u (Figure 12). Provided inthe lower part of the socket is the bore v3 for fitting the needle z', in which the latter may be fixed by soldering. An air escape hole v4 is also provided in the lower part of the socket v.

As stated hereinbefore, the right-hand portion of Figure 12 shows a balancing weight w symmetrically disposed relatively to the whole of the regulating device just described. 'Ihis balancing weight may be constituted by a socket which is screwed fast to the end c4 of the percussion cap carrier piston. Advantage may be taken of the cavity of the socket to lodge therein a member for locking the percussion cap carrier piston, which member is withdrawn at the moment it is desired to use'the projectile. This member may be constituted very simply by a rod :c carrying a screw-thread corresponding to the internal screw-thread of the socket w and also carrying a head :1:1 on its free end, said head being accessible from outside the fuse body. The piston c4 can be locked against forward movement by threading rod :c into socket w until the head :c1 abuts a portion of the fuse body a.

What is claimed is:-

1. A time fuse for projectiles co-mprising a fuse body fixed with respect to the projectile, a striker and a percussion cap mounted within said fuse body and constituting the firing elements of the fuse, said elements being normally spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the fuse with one of said elements adjacent the forward end of the fuse body when in their rest positions, means tending to move the forward element rearwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the other element, means normally restraining said forward element against said rearward movement, means for moving the rearward element forwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the forward element, said last-named means being operative only after the projectile has been fired from the gun, and means associated with said rearward element for releasing said restraining means after the said rearward element has moved forwardly a predetermined distance, thereby effecting ring of the fuse by contact between said striker and percussion cap elements.

2. A time fuse for projectiles comprising a fuse body fixed with respect to the projectile, a striker and a percussion cap mounted within said fuse body and constituting the firing elements of the fuse, said elements being normally spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the fuse with one of said elements adjacent the forward end of the fuse body when in their at rest positions, means tending to move the forward element rearwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the other element, means normally restraining said forward element against said rearward movement, means for moving the rearward element forwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the forward element, said last-named means being operative only after the projectile has been fired from the gun, means associated with said rearward element constituting a piston slidable within and having substantially fluidtight engagement with the inner wall of said fuse body, means controlling the velocity of flow of the air or other fluid within said fuse body from in front of said piston to the rear thereof during the forward movement thereof with said rearward element, and means associated with said rearward element for releasing said restraining means after the said rearward element has moved forwardly a predetermined distance, thereby effecting firing of the fuse by contact between said striker and percussion cap elements.

3. A time fuse for projectiles comprising a fuse body fixed with respect to the projectile, a striker and a percussion cap mounted within said fuse body and constituting the firing elements yof the fuse, said elements being normally spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the fuse with one of said elements adjacent the forward end of the fuse body when. in their at rest positions, means tending to move the forward element rearwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the other element, means normally restraining said forward element against said rearward movement, means for moving the rearward element forwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the forward element, said last-named means being operative only after the projectile has been fired from the gun, means associated with said rearward element for releasing said restraining means after the said rearward element has moved forwardly a predetermined distance, thereby effecting firing of the fuse by contact between said striker and percussion cap elements, and means for varying the distance between said two elements when in their normal at rest positions, thereby varying the time at which the fuse is fired.

'-- Luuxuvulllul ANU EXPLOSIVE DEVICES 4. time fuse for projectiles comprising a fuse body fixed with respect to the projectile, a striker and a percussion cap mounted within said fuse body and constituting the ring elements of the fuse, said elements being normally spacedirom one another along the longitudinal axis of the fuse with one of said elements adjacent the forward end of the fuse body when in their at rest positions, means tending to move the forward element rearwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the other element, means normally restraining said forward element against said rear- Ward movement, means for moving the rearward element forwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the forward element, said last-named means being operative only after the projectile has been fired from the gun, means associated with said rearward element constituting a piston Cil slidable within and having substantially fluidtight engagement with the inner wall of said fuse body, means controlling the velociy of flow of the air or other fluid within said fuse body from in front of said piston to the rear thereof during the forward movement thereof with said rearward element, means associated with said rearward element for releasing said restraining means after the said rearward element has moved forwardly a predetermined distance, thereby effecting firing of the fuse by contact between said striker and percussion cap elements, and means for varying the distance between said two elements when in their normal at rest positions, the interval between firing of the projectile and firing of thefuse being determined by said last- .named means and said fiuid controlling means.

5. A time fuse for projectiles comprising a fuse body xed with respect to the projectile, a striker and a percussion cap mounted within said fuse body and constituting the firing elements of the fuse, said elements being normally spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the fuse with one of said elements adjacent the forward end of the fuse body when in their at rest positions, means tending to move the forward element rearwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the other element, means normally restraining said forward element against said rearward movement, means for. moving the rearward element forwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the forward element, said last-named means being operative only after the projectile has been fired from the gun, means associated with said rearward element constituting a piston slidable within said fuse body, means for producing a relative angular displacement between said rearward element and the fuse body during the forward movement of said element and thereby reducing the adhesion between said piston and fuse body wall, and means associated with said rearward element for releasing said restraining means after the said rearward element has moved forwardly a predetermined distance, thereby effecting firing of the fuse by contact between said striker and percussion cap elements.

' 6. A time fuse for projectiles comprising a fuse body fixed with respect to the projectile, a striker and a percussion cap mounted within said fuse body and constituting the firing elements of the fuse, said elements being normally spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the fuse with one of said elements adjacent the forward end of the fuse body when in their at rest positions, means tending to move the forward element rearwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the other element, means normally reajillbir Human:

straining said forward element against said rearward movement, means for moving the rearward element forwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the forward element, said last-named means being operative only Vafter the projectile 5 has been fired from the gun, means associated with said rearward element constituting a piston slidable within said fuse body, a pin and slot connection between said piston and a member fixed with respect to said fuse body for producing a relative angular displacement between said rearward element and the fuse body during the forward movement of said element and thereby reducing the adhesion between said piston and fuse body wall, and means associated with said l5 rearward element for releasing said restraining means after the said rearward element has moved forwardly a predetermined distance, thereby effecting firing of the fuse by contact between said striker and percussion cap elements.

7. A time fuse for projectiles comprising a fuse body fixed with respect to the projectile, a striker and a percussion cap mounted within said fuse body and constituting the firing elements of the fuse, said elements being normally spaced from V one another along the longitudinal axis of the fuse with the striker adjacent the forward end of the fuse body when in their at rest positions, means tending to move the striker rearwardly with respect lto said fuse body toward the percussion cap, means normally restraining the striker aganst said rearward movement, a carrier for said percussion cap slidably mounted within said fuse body, means for moving said carrier forwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the striker, said last-named means being operative only after the projectile has been fired from the gun, and means associated with said carrier for releasing said striker restraining means after the carrier has moved forwardly a. predetermined distance, thereby permitting said striker to be moved rearwardly into firing contact with the percussion cap. I

8. A time fuse for projectiles comprising a fuse body fixed with respect to the projectile, a striker and a percussion cap mounted within said fuse body land constituting the firing elements of the fuse, said elements being normally spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the fuse with the striker adjacent the forward end of the fuse body when in their at rest positions, spring means continually tending to move the striker rearwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the percussion cap, means fixed against axial movement relative to said fuse body but capable of outward radial movement under the influence of centrifugal force for engaging said striker when in its at rest position and restraining the same against said rearward movement, axially movable locking means normally surrounding said striker restraining means and preventing outward radial movement thereof, a carrier for said percussion cap slidably mounted within said fuse body, means for moving said carrier forwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the striker, said last-named means being operative only after the projectile has been fired from the gun, and means associated with said carrier for moving said locking means axially out of surrounding engagement with said restraining means after the carrier has moved forwardly a predetermined distance, thereby permitting said restraining means to move radially outwardly and release the striker, whereupon said spring means 75 moves the striker rearwardly into firing contact with the percussion cap.

9. A time fuse for projectiles comprising a fuse body fixed with respect to the projectile, a striker and a percussion cap mounted within said fuse body and constituting the firing elements of the fuse, said elements being normally spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the fuse with the striker adjacent the forward end of the fuse body when in their at rest positions, means tending to move the striker rearwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the percussion cap, means normally restraining the striker against said rearward movement, a carrier for said percussion cap slidably mounted within said fuse body, an inertia member mounted for axial movement relatively to said carrier, a spring interposed between said inertia member and a portion of the fuse body, said inertia member being movable rearwardly with respect to said carrier upon ring of the projectile from the gun, thereby compressing said spring, means for locking said inertia member to said carrier in its rearward position, means for locking said carrier to said fuse body when in at rest position, said last-named locking means being automatically releasable after the projectile is in flight whereupon the force of the compressed spring is transmitted to said carrier and moves the latter axially forwardly toward said striker, and means associated with said carrier for releasing said striker restraining means after the carrier has moved forwardly a predetermined distance, thereby permitting said striker to be moved rearwardly into ring contact with the percussion cap.

10. A time fuse for projectiles comprising a fuse body fixed with respect to the projectile, a striker and a percussion cap mounted within said fuse body and constituting the firing elements of the fuse, said elements being normally spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the fuse with the striker adjacent the forward end of the fuse body when in their at rest positions, means tending to move the striker rearwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the percussion cap, means normally restraining the striker against said rearward movement, a carrier for said percussion cap slidably mounted within said fuse body, an inertia member mounted for axial movement relatively to said carrier, a spring interposed between said inertia member and a portion of the fuse body, said inertia member being movable rearwardly with respect to said carrier upon ring of the projectile from the gun, thereby compressing said spring, means for locking said inertia member to said carrier in its rearward position, a locking bolt mounted in said fuse body and extending radially inwardly thereof to engage said carriage when the latter is in its at rest position, said locking bolt being automatically withdrawn under the action of centrifugal force after the projectile is in flight whereupon the force of the compressed spring is transmitted to said carrier and moves the latter axially forwardly toward said striker, and means associated with said carrier for releasing said striker restraining means after the carrier has moved forwardly a predetermined distance, thereby permitting said striker to be moved rearwardly into firing contact with the percussion cap.

"111. A time fuse for projectiles comprising a fuse body fixed with respect to the projectile, a striker and a percussion cap mounted within said fuse body and constituting the firing elements of the fuse, said elements being normally spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the fuse with the striker adjacent the forward end of the fuse body when in their at rest positions, means tending to move the striker rearwardly 5 with respect to said fuse body toward the percussion cap, means normally restraining the striker against said rearward movement, a carrier for said percussion cap slidably mounted within said fuse body, means for moving said carrier forwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the striker, said last-named means being operative only after the projectile has been red from the gun, means associated with said carrier for releasing said striker restraining means after the carrier has moved forwardly a predetermined distance, thereby permitting said striker to be moved rearwardly into iiring contact with the percussion cap, and means for varying the distance between said striker and said percussion cap when 20 in their normal at rest positions, thereby varying the time at which the fuse is fired.

12. A time fuse for projectiles comprising a multi-part fuse body, at least one portion thereof being adapted for fixed engagement with the projectile and another portion being adjustable with respect to said first-named portion, a striker and a percussion cap mounted within said fuse body and constituting the firing elements of the fuse, said elements being normally spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the fuse and lying one in each of said xed and adjustable portions of said fuse body when in their at rest positions, the striker being adjacent the forward end of the fuse body, means tending to move the striker rearwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the percussion cap, means carried by the portion of the fuse body in which said striker is mounted for normally restraining the striker against said rearward movement, a carrier for said percussion cap slidably mounted within said fuse body, means for moving said carrier forwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the striker, said last-named means being operative only after the projectile has been fired from the 45 gun, means associated with said carrier for releasing said striker restraining means after the carrier has moved forwardly a predetermined distance, thereby permitting said striker to be moved rearwardly into iiring contact with the percussion cap, and means for varying the position of the adjustable portion of said fuse body with respect to the fixed portion thereof so as to vary the distance between the striker and percussion cap when said elements are in their at rest positions.

13. A time fuse mechanism according to claim 12 wherein the portion of the fuse body in which the striker is mounted is movable axially with respect to the fixed portion of the fuse body, and which includes means visible from the exterior of the fuse for indicating the distance between the at rest positions of the striker and percussion cap at any positio-n of said movable portion of the fuse body.

14. A time fuse for projectiles comprising a fuse body fixed with respect to the projectile, a striker and a percussion cap mounted within said fuse body and constituting the firing elements of the fuse, said elements being normally spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the fuse with the striker adjacent the forward end of the fuse body when in their at rest positions, means tending to move the striker rearwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the per- EXPLOSIVE DEVICES wanen Uil? cussion cap, means normally restraining the striker against said rearward movement, a carrier for said percussion cap constituting a piston slidableA within and having substantially iiuidtight engagement with the inner wall of said fuse body, means for moving said carrier forwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the striker, said last-named means being operative only after the projectile has been iired from the gun, means controlling the velocity of now of the air or other iiuid within said fuse body from in front of said piston to the rear thereof and thereby controlling the rate of forward movement of the percussion cap toward said striker, and means associated with said carrier for releasing said striker restraining means after the carrier has moved forwardly a predetermined distance, thereby permitting said striker to be moved rearwardly into firing contact with the percussion cap.

15. A time :fusev for projectiles comprising a fuse body fixed with respect to the projectile, a

striker and a percussion cap mounted within said fuse body and constituting the tiring elements of the fuse, said elements being normally spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the fuse with the striker adjacent the forward end of the fuse body when in their at rest positions, means tending to move the striker rearwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the percussion cap, moans normally restraining the striker against said rearward movement, a carrier for said percussion cap constituting a piston slidable within and having substantially uidtight engagement with the inner wall of said fuse body, means for moving said carrier forwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the striker, said last-named means being operative only after the projectile has been red from the gun, a passageway in said piston through which the air or other fluid within said fuse body may pass from in front of said piston to the rear thereof during forward movement of said carrier, an adjustable valve associated with said passageway for controlling the velocity of fluid flow therei through and thereby controlling the rate of forward movement of the percussion cap toward said striker, and means associated with said carrier for releasing said striker restraining means after the carrier has moved forwadly a pedetermined distance, thereby permitting said striker to be moved rearwardly into ring contact with the percussion cap.

16. A time fuse for projectiles comprising a fuse Abody fixed with respect to the projectile, a striker and a percussion cap mounted within said fuse body and constituting the firing elements of the fuse, said elements being normally spaced from lone another along the longitudinal axis of the fuse with the striker adjacent the forward end of the fuse body when in their at rest positions, means tending to move the striker rearwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the percussion cap, means normally restraining the striker against said rearward movement, a carrier for said percussion cap mounted within and in substantially fluid-tight sliding engagement with the inner wall of said fuse body, means for moving said carrier forwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the striker, said last-named means being operative only after the projectile has been fired from the gun, means for producing an angular displacement of said carrier relative to said fuse body during the forward movement of the former and thereby reducing the adhesion between said carrier and the fuse body wall, and means associated with said carrier for releasing said striker restraining means after the carrier has moved forwardly a predetermined distance, thereby permitting said striker to be moved rear- 5 wardly into iiring contact with the percussion cap.

17. A time fuse for projectiles comprising a fuse body iixed with respect to the projectile, a striker and a percussion cap mounted within said fuse l0 body and constituting the firing elements of the fuse, said elements being normally spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the fuse. with the striker adjacent the forward end of the fuse body when in their at rest positions, means tending to move the striker rearwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the percussion cap, means normally restraining the striker against said rearward movement, a carrier for said percussion cap mounted within and in substantially fluid-tight sliding engagement with the inner wall of said fuse body, means for moving said carrier forwardly with respect to said fuse body towardthe striker, said last-named means being operative only after the projectile has been red from the gun, a pin and slot connection between said carrier and a member fixed with respect to said fuse body for producing a dennite angular displacement of said carrier relative to said fuse body during the forward movement of the former and thereby reducing the adhesion between said carrier and the fuse body wall, and means associated with said carrier for releasing said striker restraining means after the carrier has moved forwardly a predetermined distance, thereby permitting said striker to be moved rearwardly into nrlng contact with the percussion cap.

18, A time fuse for projectiles comprising a fuse body fixed with respect to the projectile, a striker and a percussion cap mounted within said fuse body and constituting the firing elements of the fuse, said elements being normally spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis oi the fuse with the striker adjacent the forward end of the fuse body when in their at rest positions, means tending to move the striker rearwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the percussion cap, means normally restraining the striker against said rearward movement, a carrier for said percussion cap mounted within and in substantially duid-tight sliding engagement with the inner Wall of said fuse body, means for moving said carrier forwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the striker, said lastnamed means being operative only after the projectile has been red from the gun, vmeans for producing an angular displacement of said carrier relative to said fuse body during the forward movement of the former and thereby reducing the adhesion between said carrier and the fuse body wall including a curved slot formed in a member fixed with respect to said fuse body and a stud-like member engaging said slot and xed with respect to said carrier during its forward axial movement, and means associated with said carrier for releasing said striker restraining means after the carrier has moved forwardly a predetermined distance, thereby permitting said striker to be moved rearwardly into iiring contact with the percussion cap.

19. A time fuse for projectiles comprising a fuse body iixed with respect to the projectile, a striker and a percussion cap mounted within said fuse body and constituting the firing elements of the fuse, said elements being normally spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the fuse with the striker adjacent the forward end of the fuse body when in their at rest positions, means tending to move the striker rearwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the percussion cap, means normally restraining the striker against said rearward movement, a carrier for said percussion cap mounted Within and in substantially fluid-tight sliding engagement -with the inner wall of said fuse l body, an inertia member mounted for axial movement relatively to said carrier, a spring interposed between said inertia member and a portion of the fuse body, said inertia member being movable rearwardly with respect to said carrier upon ring of the projectile from the gun, thereby compressing said spring, means for locking -said inertia member to said carrier in its rear- '3 for releasing said striker restraining means after the carrier has moved forwardly a predetermined distance, thereby permitting said striker to be moved rearwardly into firing contact with the percussion cap.

20. A time fuse for projectiles comprising a fuse body fixed with respect to the projectile, a striker and a percussion cap mounted within said fuse body and constituting the ring elements of the fuse, said elements being normally spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the fuse with the striker adjacent the forward end of the fuse body when in their at rest positions, means tending to move the striker rear- Wardly with respect to said fuse body toward the percussion cap, means normally restraining the striker against said rearward movement, a carrier for said percussion cap mounted within and in substantially fluid-tight sliding engagement with the inner wall of said fuse body, an inertia member mounted for axial movement relatively to said carrier, a spring fixed at one end to said inertia member and at the other end to a portion of the fuse body, a member fixed with respect to said fuse body and having a curved slot therein, a stud-like member carried by said inertia member and engaging said slot, said inertia member being movable rearwardly wth respect ,to said carrier upon firing of the projectile from the gun, thereby compressing and torsioning said spring, means for locking said inertia member to said carrier in its rearward position whereupon the force of the spring is transmitted to said carrier and moves the latter forwardly, simultaneously imparting thereto an angular displacement with respect to said fuse body, and means associated with said carrier for releasing said striker restraining means after the carrier has moved forwardly a predetermined distance,

thereby permitting said striker to be moved rearwardly into ring contact with the percussion cap.

21. A time fuse for projectiles comprising a fuse body fixed with respect to the projectile, a

striker and a percussion cap mounted within said fuse body and constituting the firing elements of the fuse, said elements being normally spaced from one another along the longitudinal' axis of the fuse with the striker adjacent the 5 forward end of the fuse body when in their at rest positions, means tending to move the striker rearwardly with respect to said fuse body toward the percussion cap, means normally restraining the striker against said rearward movement, a carrier for said percussion cap mounted within and in substantially fluid-tight sliding engagement with the inner wall of said fuse body, a spring adapted to thrust at one end against a fixed portion of the fuse body and at the other l5 end against the carrier for moving the carrier axially forwardly during flight of the projectile, friction reducing means interposed between the first mentioned end of said spring and the fuse body for facilitating the natural angular displacement of said carrier with respect to the fuse body produced during flight of the projectile, and means associated with said carrier for releasing said striker restraining means after the carrier has moved forwardly a predetermined distance, thereby permitting said striker to be `moved rearwardly into ring contact with the percussion cap.

22. In a fuse mechanism of the type wherein one of the fuse ring elements is moved axially forwardly within the fuse body during the fight of the projectile and is given a natural relative angular displacement with respect to said body due to rotation of the projectile during flight, the combination of a spring adapted to thrust at one end against a fixed portion of the fuse body and at the other end against the movable fuse element for moving said element axially forwardly within said fuse body, and friction reducing means interposed between the first mentioned 40 end of said spring and the fuse body for facilitating the natural angular displacement of said element with respect to said fuse body produced during flight of the projectile.

23. In a fuse mechanism of the type wherein one of the fuse firing elements is moved axially forwardly within the fuse body during the fight of the projectile and is given a natural relative angular displacement with respect to said body due to rotation of the projectile. during flight, the combination of a spring adapted to thrust at one end against a fixed portion of the fuse body and at the other end against the movable fuse element for moving said element axially forwardly within said fuse body, and a friction reducing thrust bearing for the rst mentioned end of said spring for facilitating the natural angular displacement of said element with respect to said fuse body produced during flight of the projectile.

24. In a fuse mechanism of the type wherein one of the fuse ring elements is moved axially forwardly within the fuse body during the flight of the projectile and is given a natural relative angular displacement with respect to said body due to rotation of the projectile during flight, the combination of a spring adapt-ed to thrust at one end against a fixed portion of the fuse body and at the other end against the movable fuse element for moving said element axially forwardly Within said fuse body, and means for producing a denite angular displacement of the movable fuse element relative to said fuse body during the forward movement of said element including a pin and slot connection between said element and a member fixed with respect to said fuse body.

vEXPLOSIVE DEVICES 25. In a fuse mechanism of the type wherein one of the fuse firing elements is moved axially forwardly within the fuse body during the flight of the projectile and is given a natural relative angular displacement with respectl to said body due to rotation of the projectile during flight, the combination of a spring adapted to thrust at one end against a fixed portion of the fuse body and at the other end against the movable fuse element for moving said element axially forwardly with respect to said fuse body, and means for producing a definite angular displacement of the movable fuse element relative to said fuse body 'during the forward movement of said element including a helical slot formed in a member fixed with respect to said fuse body and a stud-like member engaging said slot and fixed with respect to said element during its forward axial movement.

26. In a fuse mechanism of the type wherein one of the fuse ring elements is moved axially forwardly within the fuse body during the flight of the projectile and is given a natural relative Vangular displacement with respect to said body due to rotation of the projectile during night, the combination of an inertia member mounted for axial movement relatively to the movable fuse element and normally occupying a position forward with respect to said element, said member being movable rearwardly with respect to said element upon firing of the projectile from the gun, means for locking said inertia member to said element in its rearward position, a spring fixed at its forward end to said inertia member and at its other yend to the fuse body, said spring being compressed when said member is moved to its rearward position and thereafter transmitting its force to said fuse element to move the latter forwardly with respect to said fuse body, and means for producing a deiinite angular displacement of said element relative to the fuse body during its forward movement including a pin and slot connection between said inertia member and a member fixed with respect to said fuse body.

27. In a fuse mechanism of the type wherein one of the fuse firing elements is adapted to be moved axially with respect to the fuse body toward the other fuse firing element, the combination of a carrier for said movable fuse element in the formvof a piston slidable within and having substantially fluid-tight engagement with the inner wall of said fuse body, a passageway in said piston through which the air or other fluid within said fuse body may pass from in front of said 4piston to the rear thereof during movement of said carrier, and an adjustable valve associated with said passageway for controlling the velocity of fluid flow therethrough and thereby controlling the rate of. movement of said carrier and its fuse element toward the other fuse firing element.

28. In a fuse mechanism of the type wherein one of the fuse firing elements is adapted to be moved axially with respect to the fuse body toward the other fuse firing element, the combination of a carrier for said movable fuse element 1n the form of a piston slidable within and having substantially fluid-tight engagement with the inner wall of said fuse body, a passageway in said plston through which the air or other iiuid within said fuse body may pass from in front of said piston to the rear thereof during movement of said carrier, and an adjustable valve associated with said passageway for controlling the velocity of fluid flow therethrough and thereby controlling the rate of movement of said carrier and its fuse element toward the other fuse firing element, said valve comprising a sleeve securedto said piston and having a tubular bore through which the air or other fluid passes, a needle housed within and of less diameter than said tubular bore, and a 5 holder for said needle detachably secured to said sleeve.

29. In a fuse mechanism of the type wherein one of the fuse tiring elements is adapted to be moved axially with respect to the fuse body toward the other fuse firing element, the combination of a carrier for said movable fuse element in the form of a piston slidable within and having substantially fluid-tight engagement with the inner wall of said fuse body, a passageway in said piston through which the air or other iiuid within said fuse body may pass from in front of said piston to the rear thereof during movement of said carrier, and an adjustable valve associated with said passageway for controlling the velocity of uid flow therethrough and thereby controlling the rate of movement of said carrier and its fuse element toward the other fuse ring element, said valve comprising a sleeve secured to said piston and having a tubular bore through which the air or other iiuid passes, a needle housed within and of less diameter than said tubular bore, and a holder for said needle detachably secured to said sleeve, said holder being adapted to receive any one of a set of needles of different diameters.

30. In a fuse mechanism of the type wherein one of the fuse firing elements is adapted to be moved axially with respect to the fuse body toward the other fuse firing element, the combination of a carrier for said movable fuse element in the form of a piston slidable within and having substantially fluid-tight engagement with the inner wall of said fuse body, a passageway in said piston through which the air or other fluid within said fuse body may pass from in front of said piston to the rear thereof during movement of said carrier, an adjustable valve associated with said passageway for controllingI the velocity of fluid ow therethrough and thereby controlling the rate of movement of said carrier and its fuse element toward the other fuse firing element, and means carried by said piston for balancing the weight of said valve with respect to the axial line of said fuse mechanism.,

31. In a fuse mechanism of the type wherein one of the fuse firing elements is adapted to be moved axially with respect to the fuse body toward the other fuse ring element, the combination of a carrier for said movable fuse element in the form of a piston slidable within and having substantially fluid-tight engagement with the inner wall of said fuse body, a passageway in said piston through which the air or other iiuid within said fuse body may pass from in front of said piston to the rear thereof during movement of said carrier, an adjustable valve associated with said passageway for controlling the velocity of fluid iiow therethrough and thereby controlling the rate of movement of said carrier and its fuse element toward the other fuse firing element, means carried by said piston for balancing the weight of said valve with respect to the axial line of said fuse mechanism comprising a member secured to said piston and having an internally threaded recess therein, and a member passing through the fuse body and having an externally threaded portion adapted to engage said internally threaded recess for locking said piston to the fuse body.

NICOLAS EMILIEN ME'I'HLIN. 

